A record 81.5% of registered voters took part in Sri Lanka’s presidential election on 8 January 2015 in which incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa was defeated by his former health minister Maithripala Sirisena. The peaceful regime change has been widely acclaimed as a triumph of democracy and a mandate for political reform, improved governance and national reconciliation.

The election saw unprecedented use of social media by both candidates as well as by politically charged yet unaffiliated youth. How much of this citizen awakening can be attributed to the fast spread of smartphones and broadband? Did it really influence how people voted? What does this mean for future politics and governance in Sri Lanka?

In this illustrated talk, science journalist and new media watcher (and practitioner) Nalaka Gunawardene shares his insights and views.

Who’s afraid of social media? Many Lankan politicians, for sure…

My PowerPoint slides:

Key questions that need more research to answer:

This is why we need better research on new media and society in Sri Lanka!

Photos by Prasanna Ratnayake

William Crawley (right), Fellow of the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, introduces Nalaka Gunawardene

Nalaka Gunawardene on Social Media and Sri Lanka’s Presidential Election 2015 at University of London, 12 Feb 2015

A section of the audience at Senate Room, University of London, listening to Nalaka Gunawardene: 12 Feb 2015